I was kind of hoping I could try to work this out myself.....with major help. In our rural area......I'm lucky there's a post office, let along an animal behavoralist. I had to travel many miles to find a decent vet (well, he seems decent so far) I keep wondering why we never had these 'issues' before...especially with Ham neutered (cause I was afraid there might be dominance problems prior..back then he was starting to challenge her) OR...is it now because he is so easily controlled....she has become so controlling? It's as if one minute she understands I'm boss.......then the next, she is the one 'barking' lol out orders. I can't imagine how I can be sending such mixed messages??? About the petting and attention, should I not be always available when she wants petted? Maybe sometimes ignore her....she seems to be more demanding of attention lately, too. I sound so silly......but that's my problem, I love to give them all the attention they want....but I'm doing something wrong. Yes, I've been consumed with overthinking this...just ask Dave.
OMG..Addie just bit me..
- Thread starter Debi
- Start date
This is her first winter indoors with a grown up Hammie. The article on the website that Saje posted really made a lot of sense. You have to get Dave to go along with it too, though. It's not going to help if she can run to him when you won't give her what she wants - only make it worse. You've seen those kids who run from Mom to Dad to Grandparents, playing one against the other to get what they want!
Of course, with Addie you've got a strange situation - a dog that doesn't really want to be inside; almost a 'lone wolf' mentality.
There's got to be a way to make being in the house (even with Hammie) more of a pleasant time for Addie. I think maybe that's where a great deal of the problem lies. She's just not happy being stuck inside.
Of course, with Addie you've got a strange situation - a dog that doesn't really want to be inside; almost a 'lone wolf' mentality.
There's got to be a way to make being in the house (even with Hammie) more of a pleasant time for Addie. I think maybe that's where a great deal of the problem lies. She's just not happy being stuck inside.
Saje...we...well, I should say I cause as the article mentioned, Dave already had the alpha thing going..........started yesterday...AMAZING results! No kidding....I ignored Addie, even when she pawed me miserably (was hard to do)...all I know is we had the most wonderful, peaceful evening of BOTH dogs on the bed...snoozing away while we had our after dinner tea...IT WAS GREAT! Before Dave came home, all was calm. Hey, I've always said when I needed help...I've never pretended to know what I was doing regarding multiple dogs. That's why I adore this forum. I've learned so much........and I LOVE that site!! Will keep you posted. 
THANKS again!
THANKS again!Renee...it is so amazing to me the changes you can make when you know what the heck to do!! lol Addie seemed happier....I know I was happier!!!!!! Ham probably felt less tension. It was just a great snuggly night. (needless to say, DAVE was happier cause I stopped fretting about the babies....LOL)
now....day two continues with the advice....again, I'll keep you posted.
(needless to say, DAVE was happier cause I stopped fretting about the babies....LOL)now....day two continues with the advice....again, I'll keep you posted.